2. Strolling Big Water
The Jig: 1/16- to 1/8-ounce BT Fishing
Boo Jig or Northland Marabou Jig
Tackle: 7-6 G. Loomis NRX 901S spin-
ning rod; Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500
reel; 8-pound-test yellow PowerPro
braided line; 8-pound-test fluorocar-
bon leader
Where: Great Lakes, particularly
Sturgeon Bay
Scenario: In early spring, small-
mouths relate to small patches on the
bottom that are different from the
rest on vast 8- to 14-foot-deep flats.
They’re skittish because of the clear
water, so Jeff Gustafson targets them
by fishing out to the side of the boat.
Strolling allows for covering more
water.
The jig swings slowly
around behind.
Cast out 90º from the
strolling direction.
Troll ahead at 0.8 to 1 mph.
Reel up and cast again.
3. Tight-Lining Micro Jigs
Hold boat in 8 to 12 feet of water